National
Museum
The National Museum, located
atop a hill at Jalan Travers, provides an interesting introduction to
the history and culture of Malaysia. Built in the style of a Malay palace,
its impressive facade of two large murals depicts scenes of the country's
colourful past. The museum houses various galleries, each with its own
theme. The Historical Gallery traces the different periods in the history
of Peninsular Malaysia. The Cultural Gallery is a collection of various
aspects of the Malaysian culture, from common everyday pastimes to
important ceremonial customs. Included in the exhibits are a Malay wedding
scene, a royal circumcision ceremony, and an presentation on the heritage
of the Straits-born Chinese. The Metalwork and Musical Instruments Gallery
showcases various objects and utensils from kitchenware and ceremonial
ornaments to weapons and traditional instruments of Malaysian music.
Other galleries include the National Sports Gallery and the Natural History
Gallery. The National Museum also holds regular thematic exhibitions.
Visiting hours are from 9am-6pm daily.
Natural Rubber Museum
Located at the Rubber Research
Institute's Experimental Station in Sungai Buloh, the Rubber Research
Museum traces the history and development of the rubber industry in
Malaysia. Visitors get to see what a rubber estate looks like and how
it functions.
National
Art Gallery
Located at Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin
(opposite The Kuala Lumpur Railway Station), the National Art Gallery is housed
in a 1932 building which is conserved under the National Heritage Trust. The
building was formerly the Majestic Hotel. The art gallery showcases a the works
of contemporary artists, and a permanent collection of works of local and foreign
origin are also displayed. The National Art Gallery is open from 10am to 6pm
daily (closed on Friday from 12:45-2.45 pm) Admission is free.
The National Planetarium
Located atop a hill in the Lake
Gardens, this centre for Space Science Studies is indicative of Malaysia's
efforts to create a scientifically and technologically-inclined society.
It is also a fun way to spend an afternoon. A Space and Sky Movie is screened
daily. There is also a working observatory equipped with a 14-inch telescope.
The National Planetarium is open from Wednesday to Sunday.
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